How to Use Optimum Choice HMO Benefits

Optimum Choice is a health maintenance organization (HMO) under UnitedHealthcare, a nationwide health insurance company. HMOs contract with individual providers in various communities to provide medical services at a discounted rate in exchange for the prospect of a steady flow of patients. Because of this arrangement, HMO participants must generally seek care from a select list of providers within the HMO network.

Instructions

Use your Optimum Choice HMO Benefits

• 1

  Find your primary care physician (PCP). If you don't already have one, you will have to find a PCP who participates in the Optimum Choice network in your area. If you need to look one up, go to Step 2.

• 2

  Log on to the Optimum Choice website.

• 3

  Click on "find a physician" from the menu at the very top of the screen.

• 4

  Scroll to the bottom and click the link to "My UHC."

• 5

  Click on "find a physician" in the menu on the right side.

• 6

  Click "Search for a physician."

• 7

  Select search criteria desired. Under item 2, select "Optimum Choice" or "Optimum Choice Preferred" from the pull-down menu, as applicable.

• 8

  Select a physician and call to make an appointment.

At the Doctor's

• 9

  Be prepared to pay a small co-pay for the doctor visit, depending on your plan.

• 10

  Bring your HMO card, or have your Optimum Choice member number handy.

• 11

  Fill out paperwork as directed by the physician office staff.

• 12

  The staff should take the billing from there. Inspect records carefully, so you know your insurance company is being billed for the correct procedure.